The Night Training Grounds were like a dark maze full of confusing paths, thick trees, and scary shadows. Even though Jin Haru used his Demon Sight, the darkness still felt heavy, like it was pressing on him. The air was strange too—it felt like something was watching him. He held a weak lantern that gave off little light. Still, inside him, he felt both scared and excited. This place was very different from his broken, dark E-class classroom.
His first fight was against Gloomfang Wolves. They had black fur and glowing green eyes. These wolves were faster and stronger than the monsters he fought in the Darkroot Forest. Their attacks were dangerous. Dodging wasn't enough—he had to think smart. Luckily, his Demon Sight helped him a lot. He could see small movements in their legs before they jumped. He could even feel small shakes in the ground.
Jin used the land to help him. He ran through trees, hid in shadows, and set up traps. He hit the wolves with a wooden stick, attacking only when he saw an opening. He moved like a shadow, quiet and fast. Each time he dodged or attacked perfectly, he felt more confident. He learned how they moved, found their weak points, and used their wild behavior against them.
He stopped acting like a scared kid. He started to fight like a warrior. He guessed where the wolves would go, moved fast, and hit with power. His body hurt. He had cuts and bruises, but every time he beat a monster, he felt stronger. He was changing—not just his body, but also his way of thinking.
Days passed. He met even stronger monsters: big vines that tried to grab him, ghost-like creatures with cold breath, and giant scorpions with poison tails. He used the forest around him—trees, rocks, and caves—to help in battles. He found hidden places, small paths, and high spots where monsters couldn't reach. The forest that once scared him was now his training ground.
Each battle taught him something new. Every scar showed he was improving. He studied how monsters moved, watched how they used magic, and found ways to stop them. With his Demon Sight, he saw mana (magic energy) inside their bodies. That helped him find their weak spots.
When he reached level 19, something changed. He wasn't just surviving anymore—he was calm, confident, and strong. He moved smoothly and attacked with perfect timing. His body reacted even before he thought about it.
But then came a harder challenge—a group of Shadow Stalkers. These monsters were made of shadows and hard to see. They attacked quickly and disappeared. Only his Demon Sight could help. He saw their faint mana glow, but they were fast.
Still, Jin didn't give up. He watched them for a long time. He noticed they became solid for a short moment before attacking. That was his chance. He was tired. His body was close to breaking. But he kept going. He needed to become stronger.
His body was pushed to its limuits. Every fight brought him near death. His brain worked like a smart general, but his body was worn out.
After more battles, he finally reached level 20. He was starving. His clothes were torn. His body was covered in blood. But he didn't stop. He knew something big was coming at level 20.
He found a hidden cave deep in the forest. He crawled through it and discovered a nest of Arachnoid Horrors—huge spiders with dark webs. He fought them one by one, dodging poison and sharp claws. He was close.
Then, at last, the final spider died. A warm power spread through him.
[Level Up: Level 20!]
[New Skill Unlocked: Black Flame & Black Lightning]
The power didn't explode—it felt calm but strong. His body changed. His senses became sharper. A strange dark power inside him woke up. He felt like he belonged here now.
He raised his hand. A small black flame appeared. Then black lightning sparked from his fingers. The power flowed through him even without casting spells. He smiled. His real strength had awakened.
The world looked new. The shadows were deeper. The air felt heavy with magic. His body was faster and stronger. He could feel the energy in everything. He had reached a new level.
He stepped out of the cave. He was still tired, but he felt strong inside. The forest didn't scare him anymore. It felt smaller now. He didn't fear the night. He had mastered it. Now the darkness followed him.
He looked at his system one last time. The moonlight shone on his hands.
[Level: 20]
[Title: Shadow Dancer]
[Current Skills: Black Flame & Black Lightning, Demon Sight]
(Next Skill Unlocks at Level 30)
He looked at his hands again. Power flowed from them. He had survived the darkness. Now, he was part of it.
He laughed softly. The night hadn't broken him. It had given him power. He had become something new. And soon, he would choose—destroy the school, or let the school destroy him. His journey as the Demon King had started. And he was ready for whatever came next.